Fears rise for Lebanese musician missing in Saudi Arabia

Sfeir, who is a supporter of Lebanese President Michel Aoun and has sung for and in support of him, had received an official invitation to visit Riyadh. 

Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper reported that official sources at the Lebanese ministry of foreign affairs had contacted the Saudi embassy regarding the musicians arrest. It was reported that his wife had travelled to see him, but was prevented until yesterday evening. 

News of Sfeir’s arrest sparked outrage among Lebanese people, who took to social media to record their outrage. 

"Where is Samir Sfeir? Reveal his fate immediately," said Salim Aoun, a Lebanese member of parliament. 

"What are the reasons for arrest? What is the charge against him? Was he permitted to contact the Lebanese consulate or hire a lawyer? Arrest without clear charges, or allowing the accused to appoint a lawyer, is in violation of international laws," said Amani Juha on Twitter.

While Sfeir has a Saudi residency permit he has also been a vocal critic of the kingdom. 

During one TV interview, the musician accused Saudi Arabia of exporting terrorism and spending money on arms deals and aircraft, while impoverishing their own people. 

No charges have been announced by the Saudi authorities.

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In 2017, Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri travelled to Saudi Arabia, where he was believed to have been detained and forced to resign his position as premier. 

Reknowned journalist Jamal Khashoggi was invited to the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, where he was then brutally murdered and dismembered.

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